Profile For TheBigAlabama

Thanks Gtown for sharing your vast experience and knowledge about the trucking industry and clarifying these statements from others. I may ask you for your opinion on a few things relevant to my process of finding the correct company and CDL school along with other things related to the research process.

Thanks for your input!

I looked back over everything i said and cant find anything that wasn't 100% accurate. I don't like to argue in person and sure don't like to argue with my terrible grammar and im real slow on these buttons.

I looked back at all of your previous posts too. You must be in denial? Here are just two examples of your posts that are not accurate and possibly very misleading:

Gary M wrote: "Let us know the answer when you go to the DMV. I say the answer is like the other states our company has dealt with. No you do not need a medical for just the permit. There is nothing for the state to attach the medical to, you are not a cdl holder and you will not need to self certify at that point anyway."

A blanket statement that does not apply for all states!!! Many states require the medical card and self cert. as part of the CDL permit application. You must present them to get past "go". And they are both attached to the permit record electronically and follow it through to either expiration or conversion to a CDL. Your point can mislead a newbie into thinking they can get a permit and drive a CMV without a medical card or self cert. Not happening. This particular post was about the state of Illinois. The individual who originally posted the question about Medical Cards called and confirmed that indeed it is required. Where is the accuracy in your statement?

Gary M wrote: "Seriously? Stable work history? Companies are hiring guys straight out of jail in some cases."

This statement was made hijacking a reply I made to someone thinking about getting into the business. Please for the benefit of us all, name one reputable company that will hire an entry level driver, with zero experience "straight out of jail"? Depending on the type of crime, yes many companies large and small will hire a driver if they have a criminal record. But it depends on many factors and usually reviewed on a case by case basis. Trucking companies are risk averse. There are certain types of crime that automatically disqualify a candidate from working for any company other than a mom and pop organization. And regarding work history; absolutely for a new driver with no experience the hiring company definitely looks at work history, many times looking back 10 years in the past. Why would you post something like this? It's feckless.

You have decades of experience that many of us, including me, could benefit from hearing about. Having survived for 26 years in this business is an incredible accomplishment, that in itself is valuable to share with the forum. However many of your posts are not factual, but opinions or perceived truths that at times are skewed to the negative. If you want to get up on your soap box and take shots at the big TLs, offer radical advice to impressionable newbies, etc., that's cool, just not here. There are many forums that encourage that type of fodder if you need to vent about the trucking establishment. I'd be happy to point you in their direction. Keep it real.

Thank you so much for posting and sharing this huntindoug! I can relate to this in numerous ways and I’m looking forward to reading more about the topics and questions you’ve proposed. Thanks again!!

Hey folks... Great forum! First post:

So here I am... 50 years old, and in a career I love. I'm a luthier. I have built electric guitars professionally since 2006. But, there are 2 main problems: It's extremely hard to find buyers for instruments that range in cost from $1700 to $6000. And, my biggest problem is I have developed an allergy to wood dust, which has triggered asthma = incessant coughing when exposed to wood dust. This has limited my time in the shop over the past 2 years. This has caused lost sales & income. To date I am about $30K in the red. The only reason I have hung on this long is my wife is an RN with a good job. We decided not to renew our lease on the shop building after Dec. Which means I will need to get a "real" job.

For years I have wondered what an OTR driving job would be like. Ironically, in 1976 my Dad changed careers from law enforcement, to truck driving (O/O) at age 50. He loved it! So, the lifestyle isn't completely foreign to me. I went on runs with him as a kid. So, I am very seriously contemplating going with either Schneider, or Roehl. Here are some of my concerns... Maybe you veterans can help me finalize my decision.

Stamina: I'm currently not used to working 12-14 hour days. I feel like I could get there. But, I'm worried about the shock to my system. Right now I only work 6 or so hours/day due to the asthma thing.

Back Pain: I've heard horror stories about how bad driving is on your back. I had L5S1 surgery back in 2002 (herniated disc). My back is OK, but I am careful not to aggravate it.

The Better Half: I've been married for 27 years... I'd like to keep it that way. My wife & I have talked about the separation part of the job, and both of us feel we can adapt.

The Long Term Plan: My plan is to sign on, and drive OTR for 12-18 months minimum. Then, re-evaluate the OTR lifestyle. If it's going good, then I will continue on. If not, I will take the year+ experience, and seek a local dedicated driving job that get's me home every night.

Let me know what you guy's think... Any advice is helpful. Thanks! Doug

Thanks for your input Gary. I didn’t take your opinions as being snarky or offensive because I have learned many things shared via social media platforms can be easily misconstrued relevant to one’s tone, attitude and intent. I have lots of friends and family members that driver and I’ve heard a wide range of opinions about the industry. Some have had bad experiences with particular companies but overall it seem to be you get out what you put in. I’m gonna follow this post because I’m in the process of deciding which path into the trucking business is best for me.

Gary warns:

Many will steer you to company paid schooling sign a contract and say you must stay with them for a year, (there are other ways i would do it ).

What is wrong with a little commitment??!!

No, it's not "company paid", it's company financed. You are going to pay it, either through payroll deduction if you stay with said company, or they will follow you and collect on you if they have to.

One year, and getting paid for working, isn't such a big deal. Also, if you want to jump to supposedly greener grass, your record of job hopping may not set too well with the new company you want to work for so badly.

Nothing wrong with commitment.. Its obvious hes given lots of commitment in his life. When your 50+ years old why lock your self into 1 year contract with an OTR company?. If he decides at 6 months to go home and work local hes free to do so if he doesn't have said contract. The area he lives in has good opportunity for local work.

Bump

Thanks PJ!

If you could change anything about Roehl then what would it be? Are the starting salaries comparable between the two?

Welcome, I’m a little biased here, I am a roehl grad, from several years ago. Both companies will provide top notch training. The big difference I see for you are the hometime options. Roehl will get you home more than Prime.

Best wishes in your decision making

Thanks PJ!

If you could change anything about Roehl then what would it be? Are the starting salaries comparable between the two?

Welcome, I’m a little biased here, I am a roehl grad, from several years ago. Both companies will provide top notch training. The big difference I see for you are the hometime options. Roehl will get you home more than Prime.

Best wishes in your decision making

I’ve got numerous uncles and cousins that drive in various capacities. However I’ve never taken the plunge but after having been in full time missions overseas for the past ten years. Plus with a wife and two young boys, it seems to be the right time to turn the page.

I’ve contacted two trucking schools and two companies which have CDL programs those being Prime and Roehl. Would any of you share your opinions on these companies? Naturally I’ll speak with my uncles but I’d like opinions from outside the family for comparison.

With our boys being so young I definitely want to find a good home time route etc. But I’m thinking of a career not a job so that’s the balance. The employment location is not a huge factor starting out but after a couple years and our boys begin school then it will become a priority.

Thank you in advance and I’m glad to be a part of this forum. Good Truckers are a part of the backbone of the country. God bless you and thanks again for your input.

Tim